Student: Olivia Gravel, industrial engineering and management

Inspiration: Nancy Rossland, director of advancement, NDSU College of Engineering

For Olivia Gravel, having someone who is invested in her future was invaluable to her success as a student and future as an engineer.

Nancy Rossland, director of advancement for the NDSU College of Engineering, served as a role model and mentor for Gravel throughout her time at NDSU. Rossland’s steady encouragement and commitment to students’ success helped her flourish, Gravel said.

“She’s so patient and has such a poise to her that I would love to model myself after. Being a young engineer, you get in your own head sometimes,” said Gravel, who is from West Fargo. “She’s that voice of reason that isn’t always in our heads when we want it to be there.”

“I recently went through the interviewing process of finding a full-time job. I ended up in her office pouring my heart out to her about it. She walked me through it and reminded me that I know exactly what I want to do. She assured me that I will be good at anything I put my mind to.”

Future plans: Gravel will begin her career as a packaging engineer at SunOpta in Edina, Minnesota.